Sunday’s Banbury and District Show saw the
biggest crowds in the event’s history as good weather and an action-packed
programme drew an estimated 15,000 visitors to Spiceball Park.

The event was organised by Banbury Town Council, and Cllr Colin Clarke, chairman of the council’s General Services Committee, said: “This has been a fantastic event. I have never known crowds this big before and everyone I have seen has been having a great time. Spiceball Park has been packed all day with happy, smiling people.”

Two arenas and a non-stop timetable of attractions kept the massive crowd entertained and dozens of other stalls and sideshows provided thrills for all the family.

The first field arena was compered by Radio Horton with attractions of Jez Avery’s All New Stunt Show in which Mr Avery performed stunts on a pedal cycle, motorbike, quad bike and a buggy. Wheelies, stoppies, precision driving and rolling the quad bike kept the crowd enthralled. An amusing interlude was provided by Gary Lee’s battling Cumberland Giants – two 12ft tall comedy wrestlers providing laughter and thrills. Crowd favourite Mighty Mick fought Terrible Ted and the referee encouraged audience participation by rallying the crowd to cheer, boo and shout for their favourite.

In the second field arena, compered by Banbury Sound, acts included dance groups, Zumba and Karate demonstrations, and slapstick comedy from the Wacky Tumblairs, plus fun and games organised by Banbury Sound.

Animals provided a large part of the afternoon’s entertainment. The Up ‘n’ Over Dog Training Club attracted 110 entries for their wonderful fun dog show. Farms2Ewe with pens of pygmy goats, lambs, calves, ponies, chicks, and ducks was a massive hit with children of all ages. Dog and ferret racing had the crowds cheering.